The Associated Student Body elected Caleb Ball as 2024-2025 president pro tempore after an abnormal three rounds of voting at its final spring Senate meeting on April 23 in Weems Auditorium at the University of Mississippi Law Center.
“I’m so honored, really,” Ball said. “The connections that I made in this place really mean the world to me. I just felt like Pro Tempore was placed for me, and it feels great to see that come to fruition, and I’m ready to get to work.”
Typically regarded as the eldest member of the Senate, the president pro tempore serves as chair of the Rules Committee, mentors senators, selects committee chairs in conjunction with the vice president and acts as the chief guide for legislation.
Four candidates ran for the position and delivered campaign speeches on the floor. The candidates included junior political science major Caleb Ball, sophomore public policy leadership and economics major Andrew Nichols, junior business major Caroline Milroy and sophomore public health and public policy leadership major Eron Hendrix.
After a period of debate, the senators voted, resulting in a runoff between Ball and Nichols.
Nichols ran on the platform strengthening the community within ASB and increasing transparency between the executive and legislative branch.
“I know that those of us who have served, and especially those who are new, are really confused about how the two branches mix and mingle together and how we all get legislation passed,” Nichols said. “I want the Senate to be an open and welcoming environment for everyone who steps foot here. I know we’re all gonna have disagreements from time to time, but I know for a fact that everyone in this room wants what is the absolute best for this university that we all love and cherish so much.”
Ball ran on the platform of establishing better communication between the student body, Senate and executive and administration board. Some of his plans included creating a public Senate legislation drive to generate ideas for legislation as well as posting upcoming legislation the night before a formal Senate meeting to keep students informed.
“ASB is not about politics,” Ball said. “It’s about getting stuff done for the students on this campus. I will collaborate with each of you and everyone to ensure that your legislation, regardless of my personal politics, achieves the highest quality.”
The runoff ended in a tie, surprising several senators.
After another period of debate and a third voting session, Ball was announced as the 2024-2025 president pro tempore, receiving 51.2% of all 43 votes between senators and proxies present.
Sophomore public policy leadership major Elizabeth Wildman said Ball had her vote due to her experience working with him in the Senate.
“I’ve worked with him in ASB for the past year, and it’s very obvious that he has the most experience out of all the candidates,” Wildman said. “He’s worked on six different pieces of legislation and passed five of them, which is unheard of. All of that experience, I think, really makes Caleb the best candidate for tonight.”
ASB Vice President Jack Jones, a sophomore economics major, echoed the same sentiments.
“I was incredibly impressed tonight by how respectful everyone was during the debate over a very contentious race,” Jones said. “I am so proud of Senator Ball, now president pro tempore, for getting elected tonight. I think that he’ll do a great job for the Senate and be a leader of senators and help them.”
Nichols also shared his excitement for Ball.
“There’s not a better guy that I would have wanted to (run) against,” Nichols said. “I’m looking forward to working with him for this upcoming year, and I think that this is just nothing but a good sign for the Senate.”
